For years, SAP PI (Process Integration) and SAP PO (Process Orchestration) were the backbone of SAP-to-SAP and SAP-to-non-SAP communication. But as we move deeper into the cloud era, organizations are asking: Is it time to move on?
If your enterprise uses PI/PO, you may already know that these products are part of the SAP NetWeaver 7.5 maintenance strategy. According to SAP’s official roadmap, mainstream maintenance for SAP PI/PO is available until the end of 2027, with optional extended maintenance through 2030. While this offers some runway, it also signals a clear shift in SAP’s integration strategy — one that favors cloud-native tools like the SAP Integration Suite.
This article compares PI/PO with Integration Suite, explains how both integrate with core SAP modules, highlights their relevance to AI-driven architectures, and outlines the key roles involved in managing integration projects today.
What Is SAP PI/PO?
SAP PI/PO is an on-premise middleware solution that enables seamless data exchange between systems. It acts as a central hub for integrating business processes and applications across diverse landscapes.
- SAP PI (Process Integration): The older version, combining ABAP and Java stacks to manage message-based communication.
- SAP PO (Process Orchestration): A more advanced, all-in-one solution that includes PI, BPM (Business Process Management), and BRM (Business Rules Management) — all running on a Java-only stack.
For over a decade, these tools have been the standard for handling complex enterprise integrations like IDocs, RFCs, web services, and file-based transfers.
The Shift: SAP Integration Suite
In 2025, the SAP Integration Suite (part of the SAP Business Technology Platform, or BTP) is becoming the new standard. It’s a cloud-native iPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service) designed to handle modern hybrid and multi-cloud architectures.
Key Differences:
| Feature | SAP PI/PO | SAP Integration Suite |
| Deployment | On-premise | Cloud-native (BTP) |
| Architecture | Java stack | Microservices-based |
| Scalability | Limited to on-prem resources | Elastic scalability |
| Modern API Support | Partial | Full support (REST, OData, Open Connectors) |
| Pre-built Integrations | Fewer | 3000+ integrations via SAP API Business Hub |
| Future Outlook | Declining | Actively developed and expanding |
SAP officially encourages migration to Integration Suite, and long-term support for PI/PO will be phased out.
Integration with SAP Modules
Whether you’re using PI/PO or Integration Suite, these tools are crucial for connecting various SAP modules such as:
- SAP S/4HANA – Streamlining data exchange with external systems, customer portals, or legacy applications.
- SAP SuccessFactors – Syncing employee data with internal HR or payroll systems.
- SAP Ariba – Automating procurement workflows and connecting suppliers.
- SAP Sales & Service Cloud (CRM) – Integrating with call center systems, ticketing platforms, or customer data tools.
- SAP ECC – Still widely used; integration is vital for data migration or hybrid system coexistence.
Integration can take many forms: real-time APIs, batch data transfers, or orchestrated business workflows.
Key Roles in SAP Integration Projects
SAP integration requires a mix of technical and strategic roles. Here’s a breakdown of the most common ones:
1. SAP PI/PO Developer
- Designs and configures interfaces.
- Works with adapters (IDoc, SOAP, REST, JDBC, etc.).
- Develops integration flows and mappings.
2. SAP Integration Architect
- Defines the overall integration landscape.
- Decides on tools (PI/PO vs. Integration Suite vs. third-party).
- Ensures security, scalability, and performance.
3. SAP BTP Integration Specialist
- Focuses on Integration Suite.
- Works with Cloud Integration, API Management, and Event Mesh.
- Builds and monitors integration content in cloud environments.
4. SAP Basis / NetWeaver Admin
- Manages infrastructure, deployment, and maintenance of PI/PO environments.
- Handles system upgrades and patches.
5. Functional Consultants (e.g., SD, MM, FI)
- Collaborate to ensure data mappings align with business logic.
- Test end-to-end processes.
The Role of Integration in AI — And SAP’s Push Toward the Cloud
SAP has been progressively shifting its integration strategy from on-premise tools like PI/PO to cloud-native solutions like SAP Integration Suite. This move is not just about modernization — it’s closely tied to the needs of AI-enabled business processes.
Why is SAP promoting Integration Suite?
In a world where enterprises are embedding AI and machine learning into everyday operations, the ability to access real-time data and orchestrate intelligent workflows across systems becomes essential. SAP Integration Suite was designed with that in mind:
- It’s built for the cloud, where many AI services (including SAP’s own AI offerings) now operate.
- It supports API-first and event-driven architectures, enabling systems to trigger actions and share data fluidly.
- It integrates natively with SAP BTP (Business Technology Platform), where AI capabilities like SAP AI Core and Joule reside.
This doesn’t mean PI/PO is obsolete. In fact, many large enterprises continue to rely on PI/PO for mission-critical integrations — especially in on-premise or hybrid environments where moving to the cloud is gradual. PI/PO remains robust and widely supported, and SAP continues to release updates for it.
However, when AI use cases start to scale, organizations often begin evaluating hybrid strategies or transitions to cloud platforms that offer:
- Easier integration with external AI services (e.g., OpenAI, Google Vertex AI)
- Faster orchestration of intelligent, real-time processes
- Improved visibility and monitoring across systems
What should companies do now?
- Evaluate existing integrations – Prioritize those that are mission-critical or costly to maintain.
- Start hybrid deployments – You can run PI/PO and Integration Suite in parallel.
- Upskill your team – Train current PI/PO developers in Integration Suite tools and practices.
- Leverage pre-packaged content – SAP’s API Business Hub accelerates implementation.
Conclusion
SAP PI/PO has served as a reliable integration backbone for years, but the future lies in cloud-first, API-driven approaches like SAP Integration Suite. The transition may not happen overnight, but it’s already underway across most industries.
If you’re building or modernizing your SAP landscape in 2025, now is the time to plan your integration evolution. Book a discovery call with us to explore the right mix of PI/PO, Integration Suite, and AI-ready architecture for your business goals.